Bhubaneswar: The rich tapestry of Odisha’s tribal literary tradition took center stage as the two-day State Level Tribal Poets Meet kicked off on Wednesday. Organized by the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), the event witnessed 50 poets representing various tribal communities, including Binjhal, Desia, Gadaba, Gond, Khadia, Koya, Kui, Kuvi, Saora, Lanjia Saora, Paroja, Munda, Bhumija, Juang, Santali, and Ho.
Inaugurating the event Minister for ST & SC Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare Department, Jagannath Saraka lauded the invaluable contribution of tribal communities to the oral and literary heritage of the state.
The poems presented during the meet delve into the unique and diverse cultural lifestyle of Odisha’s tribal communities, showcasing their perspectives on heritage and daily life. Renowned author and ‘Sargiphul’ Editor Prof Dash Benhur emphasized the intimate connection between poetry and tribal life. He stressed the need to preserve and promote tribal literature, citing its significant reflection in the works of tribal authors.
Indramani Tripathy, Director of SCSTRTI, expressed gratitude to the poets from across the state, underscoring that the State Level Tribal Poets Meet is a groundbreaking initiative to honour tribal authors’ contributions to the cultural, heritage, and literary landscape of Odisha. The literary event is part of the series of activities organized to commemorate ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas,’ supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
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